Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/13340937.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Yu-Gi-Oh!
  Relationship:
      Atem/Mutou_Yuugi
  Character:
      Motou_Yuugi, Atem/Yami_Yuugi_-_Character, Mazaki_Anzu, Kaiba_Seto,
      Katsuya_Jounouchi
  Additional Tags:
      Puzzleshipping, Slight_Prideshipping, Underage_Sex, Alcohol/Smoking,
      Talks_about_life_and_death, Self_Harm, Fluff_and_Smut, Demons/Yokai, Edo
      Period, Alternate_Universe_-_Fantasy, Gender_Identity_Crisis
  Stats:
      Published: 2018-01-12 Chapters: 3/? Words: 7849
****** A Pretty Face ******
by pocketHealer
***** The Meeting pt.1 *****
Sometimes, I wish I could just drop down and die, it'll be easier for me to
just disappear from this world. 
 
People don't have to worry about me or take care of me- waste their time with a
oddity like myself. 
 
But...
 
They continue to care for me. 
 
They shouldn't. 
 
I'm not normal. Not like the rest of them.
 
I'm not unaware of my condition.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
 
 
" Yuugi-chan? Yuugi?." A voice, sweet and caring softly swept over the small
garden.
" Mmm..." 
Footsteps, at first were faint and inaudible but with each step it began to
grow louder, the small rocks under said feet crunched. 
" Sleeping under the tree again? You do know that you have a bed for such a
thing, right?." The woman giggled as she stood over the sleeping child, poking
at their cheek. 
Sleepily, the child's eyelids softly flutter, adjusting to the light that
caught her eyes. Slowly she sat up, leaning against the bark of the tree,
rubbing her eyes.
" Goodness Yuugi, what will I ever do with you?." Bending down, the woman picks
up her child, holding her protectively within her arms. " You're almost acting
like a naughty kappa! I hope your grandfather didn't have anything to do with
your behavior." Her tone was irritated but also relieved. This mother was on
the hunt for her missing child, who just so happens to play all sorts of
naughty games instead of studying and praying.
" Sorry..." Yuugi said quietly, tiredly. " I won't do it again, mommy." She
rested her head over her mother's shoulder, eyelids half lidded, still clouded
with sleep. 
Quiet for a moment, the mother sighed, patting her child's back. " It's okay,
Yuugi-chan. Just please, if you want to play, play near mommy, or at least tell
me where you are going. This is a big house after all." She said, holding to
Yuugi tightly.
Heading back inside with Yuugi in her arms, Yae Motou was a hard working
housewife of Shion Yokigawa, a nobleman who is also part of the Emperor's
council in the capital. But being a councilman to a Emperor means that he has
to be away from home for long periods of time, putting loneliness and stress to
Yae. To lift up the duties of being a wife and to have someone look after and
play with her daughter, she has let her father live with her, Solomon Motou.
With him taking care of her precious child while she cooks, cleans, and teaches
her the fundamentals of life. Yae tries her best everyday to make her and
Yuugi's life nearly perfect. 
Though... Yuugi will truly struggle within her life. 
The thought of it truly pains her as a mother. Thinking about Yuugi's future
scares her, it almost breaks her heart for what Yuugi will have to bear. 
Setting down Yuugi within her futon, she tucks her child in. It's midday yet
Yuugi is out like a light... it's rather strange, she is usually as hyper as a
puppy, wanting to play all sorts of games- if not games then she is usually
studying or praying. Placing Yuugi's favorite doll next to her, Yae stood from
her kneeling position. Taking a deep breath, she sighed heavily, her hair
strands falling out of place from her neat hair bun. 
" Oh, there you are Yae," Solomon noticed his daughter as he was about to pass
by. His plum violet eyes were wide but droopy, full of wisdom and perhaps
secrets. " I need to talk to you, about..." His eyes went down to Yuugi, soft
but serious. 
" I know, I know..." She whispered, her eyes went down to the tatami mat below
her feet, dreading what was to come. Walking out of Yuugi's lavished room, she
shuts the the door behind her. 
" Yae... I know you love Yuugi with all your heart and soul, but will you
continue to tell and teach Yuugi of the feminine ways? 'She' has male parts and
has more muscle than the girls out there have." He asked, his voice low so he
wouldn't disturb Yuugi. 
" I don't know what else to do, father. Yuugi, her- his skin is soft, like the
finest of silk, he has wide eyes, a soft face, and a leaner body than the boys
on the streets do. If I start over from the beginning, Yuugi will not only get
confused about her gender but question himself. Maybe even... alienate himself
from the rest of the world. I don't want that to happen. I- I simply want him
to live happily father, without worry." Her eyes began to water, full of
uncertainty and utter sadness. 
Solomon embraced his daughter, letting her rest her head over his shoulder. "
Yae, Yuugi is different, that we all know, but whether boy or girl, he is a
brilliant being. Full of love and laughter. Over my years I have seen many
people, far and wide, but Yuugi stands out more than the rest. Something about
him puts my soul at rest- he makes me feel like I can do anything." 
" Father..." Yae chuckled slightly but had a saddened tone to it, " We see it,
but others don't. Shion is always away so he doesn't understand, as well as the
rest of the world. I don't know what else to do." 
" Well, my dear daughter. Do what your heart tells you to do while I guide
Yuugi, understand?."
Yae was silent, but nodded her head. 
===============================================================================
Sitting alone on the walkway outside, Yuugi quietly reads a book to herself,
but due to how hard some of the words are pronounced and spelled she wrote down
which words she didn't know how to say or what they mean for future studying.
It was incredibly dull but her mother wanted her to learn a few things today
since she slept all day yesterday. 
The wind was tender and cool, the leaves on the tree slowly began to come to
life, and the birds were chirping, but the sky was a bit cloudy, not enough to
rain since the sun is out a little but still, who knows what will happen
today. 
As Yuugi wrote down the word 'impudence' on a piece of paper, she heard
commotion on the other side of the stone wall. At first she paid no mind to it,
none of her business, but what did caught her attention was that someone was
talking about her. 
" You look just like that Motou girl!." A voice, loud and rambunctious mocked.
Other boys around the more dominant voice agreed in unison. " Your hair! It's
all silly and stupid lookin'!." 
Curious of what they were talking about, Yuugi sets down her writing utensil.
Hopping off the walkway she padded over to the giant tree she likes to sleep
under, but on the other side of that tree lied incredibly thick shrubbery-
Yuugi's mother allows Yuugi to... garden, but only when she is around. However,
unknown to her, Yuugi has made a little hole in the wall. Well, not entirely
'made' but found. As if this hole was made just for her, Yuugi goes down and
crawls through the damaged wall. 
On the other side was a street, practically empty aside from a few children
here and there. Yuugi's home was located in the entertainment district of
Domino City, so most of the adults were indoors while the children conquered
the streets. Standing, Yuugi took refuge behind an barrel, full of water. 
" I don't know who that is." A boy said, plainly. " Leave me alone." 
Yuugi poked her head out slightly, getting a glimpse of the group of boys
surrounding one person. Her wide curious eyes scanning the situation.
" Nope! Can't do that! This is my territory! Can't go on without payin' a
fee!" 
Yuugi noticed the biggest grunt of them all. Ushio. Ushio was a mean boy that
prowled around this area, picking on children who are frail and weaker than he
was. He especially loves to pick on Yuugi whenever his mother allows him to
play outside of their home. She doesn't understand why he loved to bully her,
but because of him she is always warey of the streets.
Of course a bully isn't complete without his band of monkey followers. 
Yuugi squints, trying to peer through the giant lugs to see the mysterious boy,
standing up to the group. Not a lot of people can stand up to Ushio and his
monkeys like that, so this boy has to be a nobleman's son or something! Maybe a
son of a samurai? Maybe a foreigner? 
"... I'm not paying anything." The boy said, but this time with a very serious
and almost 'scary' type of tone. It even made Yuugi have chills go down her
spine.
" W -what? Grrrr! Now you're gonna get it! No one gets through Ushio's gate
without payin'! Let's get him!." 
Her little heart had never beat so fast in her entire life. The boy is a
stranger but he's brave! Braver than anyone who somehow got into Ushio's line
of sight. Running towards the group, Yuugi pushes Ushio, causing the boy to
stumble a bit. " Stop! No fighting!." She yelled. " No good comes out of that!
It's kappa's play!." She said. " Leave him alone!."
" Yuugi! You little..." Ushio pushes Yuugi down, causing her to fall and ruin
her rather expensive red kimono. " If you're not gonna get me three thousand
yen then get outta my sight! Ya little brat!." 
Yuugi sat there on the cobblestone, her body trembling and her eyes watering to
the point where her vision was blurred. 
" Don't fight... don't..." Before she could finish her sentence, Yuugi cried.
Her cheeks wet and her head hung low. However, she realized something- the boy
that stood up to Ushio helped her stand up. Looking up in shock, Yuugi's vision
was blurred, but she noticed a few things. His skin was... not like her own, or
Ushio's, or anyone's. It was dark. His hair had the same appearance as her's,
and his eyes were red. 
" You should go, Yuugi." The boy told her. 
" Huh?." 
" I said go. I don't take bullying lightly, especially if they make a girl
cry." Something in his tone of voice made Yuugi afraid. Made her shiver in fear
but her cheeks flush.
Shaking her head, she refused. " No!." Taking in a deep breath, Yuugi wipes the
tears away using her sleeve. Without looking at the boy, Yuugi stood in front
of Ushio. " I will pay for my fine and his." She said as bravely as possible,
even though she was absolutely terrified on the inside. Ushio is well known for
his cruelty for both boys and girls. It is said that he will go after your most
beloved pet and murder it if you don't pay your fines... or worse. 
Intrigued, Ushio shrugged his shoulders. " Er... well whatever. You better have
the money, or else say goodbye to what you love most." He warned. " I want my
money by tomorrow, got it?." 
Yuugi nodded.
" Good. C'mon boys." Taking his leave, Ushio and his monkeys turn and left,
leaving Yuugi and the boy alone. 
Taking a huge sigh of relief, Yuugi turned to face the boy- 
" Why did you do that?."
Yuugi didn't say a word. Entirely speechless.
The boy raised his brow, baffled. " Why are you staring at me?." 
" Oh! I'm..." Yuugi slightly blushes, loking around nervously and awkwardly. "
I'm sorry! It's just... you look like me." 
The boy idly rubs the back of his neck, his gaze going off somewhere else that
Yuugi couldn't follow. " The same goes to you." 
It was painfully silent between the two. 
Until Yuugi spoke up, shyly. " Do you want to... be my friend?." 
The boy, who is but a few inches taller than Yuugi look down to the small girl.
His smoldering crimson eyes were relentless and sharp like a sword. " I
can't." 
Those two words made Yuugi upset, but... she understood. " Okay." It did hurt
to hear that, it made her feel more alone than it should be. " I'll..." She
slightly turn her body, " I'll go home now." 
Turning her back towards the boy, Yuugi began to walk back to her secret
entrance, head hung low as well as her eyes. 
I just wanted to be your friend...
" Atem." 
" Huh?." Yuugi stopped in her tracks, a few feet away from the boy, halfway
turned towards 
" My name is Atem." 
Yuugi blinked a few times before smiling softly towards the boy, Atem. " I'm
Yuugi." 
Approaching Yuugi, cautiously, Atem stared her down, eyes examining her.
Closely. 
Feeling slightly awkward, Yuugi avoided his gaze, looking down to his chest. "
Er, is there something on my face?." Yuugi idly scratches her cheek, wondering
what Atem could be staring at. 
"... Nothing." 
It doesn't feel like 'nothing'. 
" Oh, well, welcome to the entertainment of Domino City! Uhm... you must be one
of those foreigners that trades all sorts of stuff, aren't you?." 
Atem crosses his arms, his foot slightly shuffling over the cobblestone, " I
guess you can say that." He shrugged, " Though I'm staying here for a while. I
heard all sorts of interesting things about this tiny island." 
" Really? Like what?." Yuugi asked, her curiosity perked.
" What?." 
" The stories people said about Nippon! I wanna hear it, in your
perspective!." 
" Er..." His cheeks slightly turned into a soft shade of red, " I've heard that
the art and food here is incredibly simple but beautiful. And the clothes you
all wear is nothing but robes." Atem eyed up Yuugi's red and gold kimono that
had floral patterns while the sash around her waist was entirely white. 
Yuugi looks down to her own clothing.
Do people outside of home really think that?  She thought to himself. 
With her attention back to Atem, Yuugi eyed up the tanned boy, examining his
features. " What you're wearing I find odd too!You're wearing a short white
dress with..." Yuugi examines his choice of footwear. " something that isn't a
zori!." She exclaimed. " And look at your necklaces and stuff! You dress much
more prettier than me!." 
Atem lifts a hand up to his earlobe, feeling his earring under his fingertips.
Without realizing, he was smiling, finding what Yuugi said incredibly cute. "
In my home, all these accessories are meant for royalty only, and their sole
purpose is to protect us from evil beings that might be roaming around during
the day or night." 
" R... really?." Her eyes widened as she gazed at the beautiful but heavy
looking necklace around Atem's neck, well...shoulders. Both?
Atem's neck collar was adorned with Malachite and Lapis Lazuli while his actual
neck was wrapped with two gold bonds- to Yuugi, it seemed like it somewhat
hurts to wear. Traveling down, the boy's biceps were also wrapped in a gold
bond, this time there was only one on each arm. 
As Yuugi examined Atem, she felt... 'odd'. She was about to question Atem about
his homeland until she heard someone calling her. 
" Yuugi-chan! Yuugi? Where are you? Are you playing games again?." Her mother
called, worried yet slightly angry. 
" Oh no! I- I have to go. If I don't go back I'll get into trouble!." Yuugi
quickly turned around, hurrying herself back to her secret entrance. But she
turns her head back, taking one last glimpse at Atem. " I hope to see you
again!." 
Please, come back.
Atem stood there, watching her run off to her mother. He didn't respond to her
but he did give Yuugi a soft smirk. Something about that smile made Yuugi's
stomach flutter with butterflies. 
 
 
 
 
***** The Meeting pt.2 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
 Who is Atem? 
 
Does he really want to be my friend? 
 
Will he stay with me? 
 
... I'm scared. 
 
Scared for what he'll find out about me. 
 
Scared for what he'll say to me.
===============================================================================
 
 
 
 
 
I don't understand... How did he know my name? 
Yuugi thought to herself as she blankly painted different monsters and flowers
onto the pages of her blank book. Closing her eyes she talked to herself, a
little confused.
It was probably Ushio that told him. It has to be. 
Opening her eyes she sighed, kicking her feet back and fourth idly in the air.
Some of the paint got onto the hardwood flooring below her but she'll clean it
up later. Thinking of a certain someone, Yuugi began to paint the boy she met
yesterday. Smoldering crimson eyes that remind her of the red ogres from the
stories her grandfather told her, but something within those eyes... they were
intimidating to Yuugi but she knew also could see kindness within them, but not
entirely expressive of it. Yet. Tan skin that she never quite saw before, and a
hairstyle that reflects her own, aside from the extra blonde and red outlines
it had. And it was more unruly and thicker. 
" Who's that?." 
Yuugi jumped from her laying position. 
" Whoa Yuugi, it's me." Solomon chuckled, leaning over Yuugi's shoulder. 
" Oh." She sighed in relief. " Er, well, this is my new friend. His name is
'Atem'." She stared at the painting, her eyes half lidded and her soft lips
smiling towards the poorly painted boy. 
" 'Atem'? A rather strange name..." Solomon's expression was perplexed yet
intrigued by this boy. From what Yuugi has painted of him, he seems to be the
reflective version of Yuugi, aside from a few differences. " Where did he come
from?." 
Yuugi shrugged her shoulders, adding on a few things to Atem such as his
accessories, " I dunno g'pa."
" Hm, well where did you meet him?." He asked, interested in this 'Atem'
character. 
Yuugi, at first, hesitated to tell her grandfather. If he knew then he'll tell
her mother, and that'll put her into further trouble. So instead of telling him
the truth, she decided to keep everything to herself. " It's a secret." She
finally said, adding herself right next to Atem, holding hands.
Grooming his short beard, his brow arched, Solomon watched Yuugi paint,
fascinated by her imagination. It strikes him baffled to see Yuugi so
interested in such a make believe character. But then again, she is only eight-
children have such active imaginations at young ages. Solomon merely sighed, "
Alright Yuugi. But make sure you keep Atem to yourself, okay?." 
" Mhm! I will!." She said enthusiastically, not that she'll tell anyone
anyway. 
" Good. Now, I'll be downstairs if you need me." 
" You gonna work today?." Yuugi innocently asked, but her eyes remained on her
painting.
" Of course I will, those toys aren't going to sell themselves my dear!."
Solomon laughed, " But...having a little helper would make things a lot
easier." 
" I know g'pa... but-"
" You're in trouble, I know, I know. Maybe next time after your mother lifts
your punishment and when you're done with your studies." 
Yuugi nodded her head. Yeah, maybe next time.
The day began to slowly go by, the sun ascending over Domino then slowly
descending over the tall pagodas in the distance. Yuugi, still in her room,
watched the children play within the streets of the entertainment district-
their laughter, their friendship... she was happy for them. Maybe she and Atem
will get to play openly and freely like the others? Leaning against the
windowsill she closed her eyes and relaxed.
" I wonder where you are..." She mumbled to herself. But something in her brain
clicked, like a gear to a ticking clock. " OH NOOOO!!!." Yuugi has forgotten
her payment to Ushio! The feared bully of Domino. More like a big hulking
demon. Scrambling off of her bed, Yuugi quickly went towards her closet,
sliding it open. Within the neatly organized closet full of extra sheets,
pillows, and clothing, Yuugi grabbed a rather colorful bag, finely decorated
with beautiful cranes. Within her small bag was all the money she saved  during
her time helping grandpa. It's obviously not enough but money is money, right?
Ushio will be satisfied until she gets more money, hopefully. 
Making her way through her home, Yuugi hurries to the front entrance of her
home. Opening the front doors with her yen pouch dangling from her left wrist,
Yuugi was determined to pay off her debts as well as Atem's, no matter what the
cost may be. However, instead of seeing Ushio at the front gates of her home,
waiting for her and her money, she only saw Atem, leaning against the torii
gate, smiling towards her.
He waved his hand, greeting the shocked girl.
" Atem?." She breathed, shuffling her feet towards the foreigner. 
" Hey." 
Yuugi's plum eyes widened with happiness, they gleamed with excitement and
utter joy. " You came back!." She rushed into Atem's body, wrapping her arms
around his body. " I'm so happy! You... you came back!" 
Arms as tender as her own mother's held onto Yuugi. " Yeah, I did." Atem
ruffles Yuugi's soft hair, " Why wouldn't I?." 
Yuugi didn't answer but she did hold onto him tighter. 
Atem felt Yuugi's grip tightening. He didn't say anything, but he instead held
her closer. He changes the subject to make her more comfortable. " What do you
want to do? Yuugi?." 
" I have to pay off our debts so Ushio won't hurt us." She mumbled through his
chest. 
Atem scoffed, " You don't need to worry about that idiot. I already took care
of it." 
" Huh? Really?." Looking up to Atem, dumbfounded.  
He nodded his head, assuring Yuugi. " Yeah." 
Atem must really be rich if he was able to pay off Ushio that quickly...
" So, what do you want to do first?." Atem asked again.
" Hmmm..." Thinking about how much time they had together before it gets dark,
Yuugi thought about the many activities they could do together. But something
in her mind popped up, giving her a idea. " Do you like games?." 
That alone perked Atem's interest, highly. " I do! A lot." 
Yuugi gasps, " Me too! Do you wanna play Hanafuda? It's a card game." Grasping
his hand, Yuugi began to lead Atem inside. " It's really easy once you get the
hang of it."
" Really? Is it strategic?." 
" Mhm! I'll tell you all the rules of the game and what the cards mean! But
first, let me show you around my house!." 
Chapter End Notes
     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanafuda#Rules_of_play
     If you have any questions of Japanese terminology, or have any
     headcanons, please ask and share. I'm all up for stuff like that.
***** The Shrine pt.1 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Since I met him, I haven't been so lonely. 
 
In fact, he visits me every day.
 
No mater what season it is. 
 
He always comes back, and I loved every moment of it. 
 
But as days turns into years, as my body continued to grow and mature, I
realized something. 
 
At the young age of eight, I had feelings for Atem. At first, I truly desired
for a friend, but now... 
 
I wanted something more. 
 
I wanted him to embrace me in ways that sets my skin on fire. 
 
I want him to kiss me, to touch me, to connect my soul to him. 
 
But... that will never happen. 
 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
 
 
 
[I don't know why, but my eyesight hasn't been the greatest these past two
years. It'll soon be three. I was fine as a child, but now? I can hardly see
normal text, they have to be larger than normal. In broad daylight everything
seems to be a little darker- thankfully I'm not running into trees or
buildings. But when it gets dark? That is when things truly frighten me. It's
incredibly dark and voided that I feel blind. Candles hardly help unless there
is a large amount of them, but even so... walking around at night isn't a good
idea, for my sake.]
[I told Atem of my failing eyes. Instead of taking me to a priest or herbalist,
he wraps two small bells around my wrist. He told me that if I needed help or
need him, ring the bells, he'll be right beside me.]
[I thought that it was silly, but in my heart I melted. As silly as that might
sound, I just knew that he was true to his word.] 
[Thinking about him now... I wonder where he goes off to?] 
[I never been to his home, let alone see his family.]
[Every time I bring it up, he tends to shrug off my questions or change the
subject. Ever since we were kids I never had the chance to peer into his past,
or into his current life.] 
[What is he hiding exactly?]
[I want to know.]
 
" Motou! Your turn to sweep outside!." A girl's voice yelled out from the other
side of the door.
Huffing in annoyance, Yuugi called out, " I know! I'll be out there in a
moment!." 
 
[I've come to terms that I am a boy, no surprise there. Mother didn't know what
to do with me, or decide which gender I belong to.] 
[But despite her confusion, I still love her, she is my mother after all.]
[After years of changing my reputation and clothes, I am living the life of a
male.]
[Well, as 'simple' as my life can be.] 
[The shrine accepts me as a male, but the general populace? They don't know
what they think of me, what to see me as. So, outside of the shrine, I am
female.] 
[A 'double life', if you could say that.]
[It can get redundant sometimes, stressful and even ridiculous but I put up
with it. I have to, to make a decent living.]
 
" Motou-kun! I swear to Amaterasu herself that if you don't-"
" I know! Hold on!."
 
[Living the life as a Gonseikai-Gonnegi isn't so bad, though I feel like I am
always being watched here at the shrine, a little. But I guess being a
qualified priest and assistant wold somehow result of feeling 'watched' all the
time.]
[I made a few friends here at the shrine as well as a few friends down below.]
[Anzu-chan is a dancer at a local theater in Domino's entertainment district.
She is incredibly nice and full of spirit! I envy her a little.]
[Jounouchi-kun is a common thug, though he has a soft and kind heart. He
reminds me of a underdog of the books I read- unknown in the world but full of
determination to be the best at whatever it is he is achieving.]
[Honda-kun is a samurai in training. He is more rational than Jou and tends to
think things through.]
[So far, my life is what I want it to be. Full of friends and a decent place to
sleep in.]
[But despite what I have, I still feel like something is missing from my
'perfect' little world.]
[I feel like I'm missing something.]
 
Yuugi sets his pen down upon his desk. Closing his dairy, setting it away into
his drawer, he stands from his sitting position and stretch his arms out. 
 
I need to talk to him.
 
Exiting his room, Yuugi slides his door close. Outside of his room is a
collection of other rooms the male priests all live in while the females live
further down. The hall was fairly large, decorated with heavenly divine deities
of all sorts upon it's walls and doors. It was like one big canvas for any
artist. 
" Ugh, finally!." The girl said with a irritated huff. " Geez, what do you do
in there? You're always cooped up in your room when you're not on duty!." 
Yuugi rolled his eyes, " None of your business Hana." He spat, " Now, I'll get
going. You should do the same." 
Hana, the shrine maiden glared at Yuugi before taking her leave, giving him the
cold shoulder, though he merely dismissed her. Hana had always disliked Yuugi,
not only because of his 'weird' gender situation but disliked him as a person.
Fair enough for Hana was always uptight and incredibly bossy when it came to
her personality. The one person he actually doesn't like. Well, technically
second since Ushio is still his winning first. 
Speaking of which, Yuugi has heard rumors that Ushio hasn't came out of his
home for years. At first he thought that was nonsense, but thinking about it
now, he hasn't seen him wandering and patrolling his 'territory' in a very long
time. Could be that he has given up that life of domination, who knows? 
Turning, Yuugi walked down the hall, he was greeted by the other priests and
maidens that were preforming cleaning duties within the sleeping quarters. Such
duties are saved for the entry ranked men and women. Yuugi surprisingly didn't
have to do that, instead he merely had to organized the library/archive room. 
The shrine felt like... well, his home. It was big, spacious, and barely felt
like a shrine at all. Yuugi does know that the people outside are prohibited of
entering any further into the shrine- the farthest they can get into is the
main hall where the giant statue of Amaterasu Ōmikami is located, which is up
front of the shrine where the entrance is. 
Today, Yuugi is tasked of sweeping the leaves that littered the courtyard of
the shrine. Easy but incredibly boring. Thankfully he isn't the poor soul who
is taking stock of the food down in the cellar. Or worse, laundry duty. For a
assistant, he hasn't truly been... 'assisting', which made him feel useless and
unreliable. 
For someone who scored the highest in their tests, I sure feel like I'm one
step down from my current position...
Yuugi thought to himself, eye slightly twitching. 
After the many twists and turns he took to get to his destination, Yuugi
finally arrived in the courtyard. It was empty, voided of any life aside from
the few animals that were searching for food. Despite it being spring, the
trees here were still a maple brown-orange... He found it strange but he simply
ignored the oddity. 
With the broom leaning against the railing of the steps, Yuugi took it,
gripping it with both of his hands.
Since I'm out in the open, I'm so sure that Atem will just pop out of nowhere
and- 
Yuugi swept up the dead leaves that lied in the pathway.
Ask me to play games. Which is my one weakness, of all things. 
Thinking about it now, Yuugi swept harder, irritated at himself. 
But I can't say 'no' to games, especially if Atem wants to play. Argh! 
I'm really weak to him, aren't I? 
I truly love him...
Yuugi stops sweeping, his eyes planted to the ground below. 
But I'm a fool to think that he feels the same. 
He gripped onto the broom tighter, feeling his hands shake within the wood. His
face was incredibly troubled, his thoughts continue to plunder into sadness and
uncertainty. 
" Seems like you're in a place I can't get into." A voice said, a sly chuckle
followed. 
Turning his head quickly to his right, he saw Atem, wearing even more strange
clothing he has never seen before. 
Everyday he wears something new- it was like he was attempting me to guess what
he'll look like the next day. 
Yuugi slightly smiled towards Atem, " Yeah, sorry. I've been... thinking a lot
to myself lately." 
Atem stared at Yuugi suspiciously. " About what?." 
" Uhm... well-" 
I could never lie to Atem, I just couldn't bring myself down to it. 
" I've been thinking about you. About... about myself." Yuugi said truthfully,
his eyes going up to meet Atem's sharpen gaze.
" What have you been thinking? Yuugi?." 
Yuugi immediately dropped the broom, only to hold the man within his arms
tightly. " About where you go off to after you visit me. I've been thinking
about your friends and family. Every night that I lied in bed, you continue to
linger in my mind, wondering if you're okay." 
Atem merely stayed silent and listened to every word Yuugi had to say. 
Nuzzling his face into Atem's neck, hiding it, Yuugi felt his eyes swell up
with tears. His fingers dug into his skin, making sure that he would not go
anywhere- not this time or ever. " I worry about you, Atem-kun. I- I get scared
just thinking about you being alone out here." 
He felt fingers run through his hair, lightly scratching his head like some
sort of pet. Yuugi took a deep breath, then exhaled. Pulling away to face Atem,
Yuugi merely stared at him, taking in every detail, every feature Atem had.  
" You shouldn't worry so much, little one." 
Yuugi's face reddened upon hearing such a nickname, given by Atem. 
" When I am not with you, I am with people I trust. I am safe." He assured
Yuugi, wiping away the left over tears away from his round cheeks. " So don't
be scared, don't worry so much about me, Yuugi." Leaning in, Atem grazes his
lips over Yuugi's cheek, planing a soft kiss over it.
Yuugi leaned into Atem, his eyes closing as he lets the man hold him and...
give him sweet, tender kisses. 
Please... kiss me more. 
Atem kisses another kiss on his other cheek, earning him another mewl from
Yuugi. Finding amusement in Yuugi's actions and behavior, the man decided to do
something special for Yuugi. 
Feeling the other pull away from him, Yuugi opened his eyes, puzzled as to why
Atem was leaving him, let alone make him feel 'empty'. " Where are you going?."
Yuugi asked. No response from the other aside from Atem beckoning Yuugi using
his index finger with a smirk on his lips. A silent gesture that perked his
curiosity and his senses. Abandoning his duty, Yuugi followed the man, straying
from the shrine path and into the the woods. 
===============================================================================
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yuugi was like a lost, lovesick puppy that needed attention and affection. I
couldn't resist my urges, my desire to give him what he wanted. After years of
bottling up my heart, Yuugi was the one who has truly undone me. His clingy
nature, his sweet voice, wide baby eyes and a playful personality. He was
everything I wanted. For once in my life I wanted to be selfish, I wanted
Yuugi. 
I must admit. Seeing him as a child I was taken back on how similar we were.
Same hair and all, aside from slight features. At first, I didn't want him to
see who or what I am, but I too desired a friend. A friend outside of the thick
palace walls I was always confined in. So I was quick to change my mind. And
so, I was always by his side, even if I was constantly scolded by my guardian
Mahad. I am not to deal with any mortals aside from the one chosen by my
father, but talking to one demi-god was far too dull and boring for my taste. 
And so every evening, when my father prepares to go to the underworld to merge
with Osiris, I slip out, granting myself some time to spend my hours with
Yuugi. Mahad calls it 'childish rebellion', I call it 'meeting a friend'. 
I have chosen this tiny island as my first destination due to the rumors and
whispers I overheard in the throne room. Isis discussed with my father about a
island who's goddess was their strongest deity. A 'sun' goddess that the people
heavily worshiped and admire. That and the entertainment, art, food, and even
their clothes were entirely different than ours. She said a few other things
but the conversations and merriment within the throne room muted out what she
said later on. Wanting to find this island myself, I set off on a journey
throughout the world to find such a place. With my chariot and items on my
hands, I was determined to find this 'Nippon' and their goddess 'Amaterasu'. 
I have met many deities. Some friendly, others brute and hostile like beasts
until eventually, a rather compassionate and friendly goddess directed me
towards my destination. She had told me;
" Beyond the horizon lies a island,  a island where their goddess rises above
them. Your journey isn't far off, child." 
I thanked her, and for her help wanted to give her a reward, but she kindly
rejected my reward. I was baffled but didn't object to her decision. With
direction, I have set off once again. 
And now, here I am. 
When I first arrived here I was taken back by the way the men and women
dressed. Nothing but robes. Sometimes I saw the men wearing some sort of
elongated dresses but had creases in between their legs, making them less
constricted by the robes. It was a strange sight to behold. 
Most mortals aside from children can see me- it was amusing to see children
point at me and tell their parents about me, only for them to see nothing. 
During my travels, I have seen many things, learned about the different gods
and goddesses that inhabit different parts of the world. Does my father know
about all this? Is he completing against them? If so, I will be ready to face
them. 
But there is one mortal that I want to take into the palace and keep him within
my arms forever. 
Leading him further into the woods, Atem listened as Yuugi followed him the
best he could, a little frantic and worried that he might not keep up. But he
didn't need to worry, for Atem was walking at a slow pace for him to follow. 
" Atem? Where are we going?." 
The man merely smirked, not replying. 
" Atem! I need to know where we're heading off to! I never been around here!." 
Stopping in his tracks, Atem waiting for Yuugi to catch up to him, which wasn't
far off. When the priest did caught up to him, he wrapped his arm around
Yuugi's waist, pulling him close, the bells around Yuugi's wrist jingled. " I'm
taking you to my home."
My temporary home that I made over the years being here. 
Shocked, Yuugi looked around the area. Not a single building in sight, or so he
could see. All he saw was shrubbery, trees, and everything else that resembled
the wilderness. " You live far from the city?." 
Atem pulled Yuugi a bit, holding onto him as he walked, guiding his little one.
" Yes." He replied quickly. " I prefer to live alone, away from the large
groups of people." 
It is similar of having a home away from home, in a way. 
" Oh... I understand." Yuugi frowned, " But when I get enough money, then maybe
you could live with me?." Yuugi paused for a moment, twiddling with his
fingers, cheeks flushing red, " I- if you decide to stay here!." 
Atem smiled lovingly towards Yuugi, but he shook his head. " Like I said
before, I am temporarily staying here." 
" Right..." Something about that doleful expression made Atem's heart crack.
But he knew that Yuugi won't be living here alone. 
" Don't be sad, little one. I told you many times that I was going to stay by
your side, remember? I never break my promises." Leaning in, Atem placed
another chaste kiss over Yuugi's forehead. 
Yuugi hums, closing his eyes as he nestles his body up against Atem's. 
I know of Yuugi's desire, his want of me- that is plainly obvious. I also know
that he is male, but has a feminine, slender body. In truth? I like it. He is
far different and unique than any mortal I have seen. There is nothing to be
ashamed of or to hide, but I suppose mortals themselves aren't as 'forgiving'
of oddities than us deities. 
Farther and farther Atem has led Yuugi into the woods, leaving behind the
shrine and Domino behind. At the far end of the woods lied a dead end. A high
cliffside was above them while down below they were surrounded by boulders and
rocks.
" Eeeh?? This is your home?!." Yuugi questioned, rushing towards the flat
surfaced wall in front of him. " How is this a 'home'? You'd be better off
living in my closet at the shrine! At least you won't be sleeping on any leaves
and twigs!." 
Atem laughed, a type of laugh that tickled Yuugi's heart. " So quick to judge,
small one. I don't sleep on the dirt, that is only for animals." He grabbed
Yuugi by his waist, pulling him slightly towards the left. " Just wait,
alright?." 
Using his right hand, he rests his palm over the cold stone. Closing his eyes,
Atem seemed to focus but for Yuugi, he had no idea what the man was doing. 
" abn amawn rae watajsid hawris alhi, 'ana eatif. manahani haq aldukhul." 
Like the stars above on dark, warm nights, the rock that Atem had under his
palm began to glow in different patterns and pictures Yuugi has never seen
before. Symbols and pictures that were alien to him. But what truly made him
bewildered was what Atem said. With slight pressure to the rock, he 'opened'
it, like some sort of door. " Go on, take a look." Atem releases Yuugi, letting
him wander inside.
It's not like home, but it is indeed 'something'. After living here for some
time, I have met this region's inhabitants, some feared while others
worshiped in mortal eyes. A  creature that is light on it's feet and has a
trickster personality called a 'inari' tends to toy and trick me, whenever it
has the chance to. I do enjoy games, but I love challenges, especially if they
always resort to playing tricks. 
Inside was quite lavished, despite it being a cave of some sort. A shrine
perhaps? On the far right side was a bed, covered in various pillows and
blankets that can warm even the coldest of bodies. Above it was a canopy, to
shield the person from any peering eyes- if anyone could somehow get through
stone and dirt. Around it were multiple candles as well as chests and colorful
pots. On the far right seemed to be some sort of dining/entertainment area.
Clay plates, golden cups and small jars lied flat over the tall table, only
having two seats, from what Yuugi can see. Under his feet were various of rugs,
covering the cold ground- Atem must've attempted to soften the ground with all
these decorative rugs. 
" This is where you live?." Yuugi gasps, his voice low in awe. 
" Mhm. But my home is your home, little one." Wrapping his arms behind Yuugi,
Atem kisses and nips his neck. " You are always welcomed here..." 
Yuugi sighed, his eyes half lidded as his body leaned back against a more
sturdier and harden one. 
Towering over the two of them was a giant statue, clearly made of gold and
adorned with many offerings. 
" Atem? Who's that?." Yuugi whispered eyes staring up to the statue.
" That is the Creator of Light." He answered, nuzzling his face into Yuugi's
shoulder. " She has created the aspect of light and all that is good in the
world. The most powerful and well respected goddess of them all." He whispered
that last few words to himself unknowingly. 
Yuugi stared at the statue, pondering to himself. Amaterasu was the shining
light in heavens, the light itself, how could that woman be...? 
Pulling his haori down, Atem nipped and lightly sucked over the exposed skin,
toying with his little one, wanting him to become undone. Wanting Yuugi to show
his body, his entire being to him. 
" Atem..." Feeling his clothes slowly being torn away, Yuugi breathed faintly,
his eyes closing and his body relaxing. 
You're mine, Yuugi. I will never let you go. No matter where you run to, where
you hide, I will find you.
Pulling Yuugi over towards the bed, Atem knew what he was getting himself into.
But after so many years of weighing the consequences, he made the decision. 
I have chosen to be with Yuugi, no matter the cost. I will be by his side,
through this life and the next for he is to precious to me. Too important for
me to lose.
Laying his chosen lover down upon his bed, Atem began to undress him, exposing
skin that felt like petals of a lotus. He dragged his lips from the nape of his
neck down to his stomach, above the navel. Yuugi melted, his toes curling and
uncurling, his heart beating fast and relentlessly. Hovering above Yuugi, Atem
kisses his chest, savoring this moment he had with his little one.
I will become mortal.
" Yuugi?." 
" Mm?." He was dazed, in a drunken state of infatuation. 
" Will you love me? No matter what?."  
" Huh?." Taken back by Atem's choice of words, Yuugi sat up, looking down to
Atem. His expression seemed troubled, and that bothered Yuugi. " Why would you
say that? I... I have always loved you, Atem." He places his hand over the
other's cheek, thumb caressing him lovingly, " But... I was afraid you would
reject me."
" Because you're not a woman?." Atem scoffed, " Please. You are a male, but
something about you isn't 'male' at all. I don't know 'why' I feel like that,
but I do, and I never questioned it." 
It'll be like questioning you, something I could never bring myself to do.
" But I knew everything."
" So why...?." Yuugi looked away from Atem. " So why didn't you say anything
till now?." 
Atem knew that he'll be asked that question. Sitting up, he turned his back on
Yuugi. " I... because I-" 
Feeling weight over his body, Yuugi wrapped his arms around his lover's
shoulders, waiting for his answer. 
" I didn't want to ruin anything we had between us." He admitted. 
Stunned, Yuugi held Atem tighter. " Nothing could ruin anything between us,
Atem." He smiled, placing a chaste peck over Atem's cheek.
" Yuugi..." 
The priest chuckled, " To be honest?..." He leans in, whispering into Atem's
ear, " I touch myself, thinking about you." 
Immediately Atem turned his body and pushed Yuugi down. Tearing off what little
clothes that hung onto his body, Atem spreads out Yuugi's slender legs, showing
off his prize. 
" Will you still love me? Even if I told you I don't belong in this plane of
existence?." Hovering over Yuugi, his cock nudging and poking at his lover's
pink, puckered hole, Atem gazed down at the Yuugi, a devious smirk etched over
his lips.
Unsure what he meant by that, Yuugi squinted his eyes, baffled. " What do you
mean?." 
His his rubbed and teased Yuugi's entrance, feeling the softness and his own
excitement. " I mean I am the son of Amun-Ra, the embodiment of Horus and
prince of Egypt. I am Atem, the next god to be in power of the sun." 
" Y- you're a god?!." Yuugi stuttered, " But...!." 
" Sh!." Atem hushed him, placing his lips hard over Yuugi's. Slightly pulling
away, he licks his lips, savoring the unique taste that was distinctly Yuugi. "
Do you still love me?." He asked again, this time, it was a much more serious
question.  
" Y- yes... I still love you." His fingers tuck Atem's hair behind his ears,
exposing more of his face.
Grinning, Atem rests his forehead over Yuugi's, staring directly into Yuugi's
eyes. " Good." 
 
 
 
===============================================================================
                                  Meanwhile...
===============================================================================
 
 
 
" Yuugi? Yuugi-kun?." A woman searches for the shrine priest, wondering where
he could've went. Holding a bag full of sweets she bought not too long ago, she
was hoping that she would be able to chat with Yuugi about her latest play, but
he appears to be absent, strangely enough. 
Strange... everyone said that I'd find Yuugi here, sweeping. Where is he? 
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     " abn amawn rae watajsid hawris alhi, 'ana eatif. manahani haq
     aldukhul."
     " Son of Amun-Ra and the embodiment of the living Horus, I am Atem.
     Grant me access."
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!